Florence is not only one of Italy’s trifecta of great art cities together with Rome and Venice, it also stands out as a city of arts and crafts
The old centre has many artisan workshops
The streets of Florence’s historic centre have many historical workshops in which artisans produce unique crafts and the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is the ideal starting point for a stay dedicated to traditions like the production of prestigious fabrics, unique jewellery, perfumes, leather and high-quality ceramics.
One of the richest craft cultures in the world.
Among the most original workshops in Florence, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, having opened over 800 years ago. It is here that the famous Acqua della Regina was produced for Catherine de' Medici, and this bergamot-based fragrance is still on sale today.
The production of precious silks
Don't miss the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, founded in 1786 and still active. One of the world’s most renowned textile workshops, it produces fine silk on 18th-century looms, including one based on a design attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
A master goldsmith who creates unique pieces
In a historic building overlooking the Arno, jewellery becomes sculptural art in the atelier of Alessandro Dari. An internationally renowned master goldsmith, Dari creates unique pieces inspired by Gothic and Renaissance pieces as well as alchemy, with many of his works on display in leading museums.
